1,5Intern, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Tagore Dental College & Hospital. Email: karnika.n22@gmail.com
2*Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Tagore Dental College & Hospital. Email: monikaganesan10@gmail.com
3Professor, M.D.S, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Tagore Dental College & Hospital. Email: vaishnaviprashanth1@gmail.com
4Senior Lecturer, M.D.S, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Tagore Dental College & Hospital. Email: drmjkphd@gmail.com
5Intern, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Tagore Dental College & Hospital. Email: jeeevitha.dr12@gmail.com
BACKGROUND: Construction workers represent one of the most neglected occupational groups in terms of oral health. Due to their strenuous lifestyle, limited access to dental services, and low socioeconomic conditions, they are more susceptible to poor oral health outcomes, including dental caries and compromised oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Additionally, poor sleep quality, often associated with irregular work hours and stress, may further contribute to their reduced well-being. This study aims to assess the dental caries status, oral health-related quality of life, and sleep quality among construction workers in Chennai.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study will be conducted among construction workers aged 18-60 years working at various sites in Chennai. The dental caries status of participants will be assessed using the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form (2013). The OHRQoL will be measured using the OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile) questionnaire, and sleep quality will be evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Demographic details and occupational information will also be recorded. Data will be analysed using appropriate statistical tests such as Chi-square and Spearman's correlation, with a significance level set at P<0.05.
RESULTS: Among the 298 construction workers examined, the majority were males (83.2%) and belonged to the 31–40-year age group (34.9%). Dental caries was prevalent, with only 16.1% being caries-free, while 42.3% had low, 28.9% moderate, and 12.7% high DMFT scores. Poor sleep quality was observed in 65.8% of participants. A significant association was found between severe dental caries and poor sleep quality (p < 0.001). Older workers (>40 years) showed significantly higher DMFT, OHIP-14, and PSQI scores compared to younger workers (p < 0.001), and oral health-related quality of life showed a positive correlation with sleep quality (ρ = 0.52, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Construction workers demonstrated a high prevalence of dental caries and poor sleep quality, which were significantly associated with reduced oral health–related quality of life. Severe dental caries and higher occupational stress were strongly linked with poorer sleep and overall well-being. These findings highlight the need for targeted oral health promotion, stress management, and preventive healthcare programs among construction workers to improve their overall quality of life.
Keywords: Dental caries; Oral health–related quality of life; Sleep quality; Construction workers; Occupational health; DMFT index.
How to cite this article: Karnika N, Monika G, Vaishnavi S, Kumar GM, Jeevitha DR. A Study to Assess the Dental Caries Status, Oral Health Related Quality of Life and Sleep Quality Among Construction Workers in Chennai: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(10s): 587-594; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.10s.71
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None